Dynamic Positioning Services
We provide an experienced multi-disciplinary team of engineering and operational resources to support Dynamic Positioning (DP) systems globally covering technical, assurance and project management scopes of work.
We aim to assist clients to operate and validate their DP systems according to their units’ specific industrial mission, including drilling units, project and construction vessels, DSVs, accommodation units, shuttle tankers and OSVs. Whether identifying the critical activity mode or verifying the worst case failure mode through FME(C)A, ABL Group aims to provide clients with independent technical reviews to enhance safe DP operations.
Through-life support providing value to DP systems
Our services encompass all aspects of the DP system, from initial design consulting, procedures and documentation, proving trials, audits, incident investigation, life extension studies, maintenance and management, providing value to our clients at every step of the way.
Our personnel are trained to recognise issues affecting DP performance and reliability. As independent consultants, together with our recognised experience in marine operations across maritime, oil & gas and renewable energy projects, we are ideally placed to provide unbiased expert advice, ensuring the best outcome for the vessel owners and DP operators, and with a unique understanding of the vessel or unit’s specific industrial purpose.
Amongst our DP specialist consultants, are electrical engineers, naval architects, master mariners, amongst other relevant marine and engineering disciplines, to support DP systems at all stages of an asset’s lifecycle.
DP technical consulting and FME(C)A
We recognise that a DP system includes the entire propulsion plant. Weakness in an engine cooling system compromises system capability. A faulty feedback linkage in a propeller pitch control can affect positioning. An incorrect UPS installation can compromise redundancy. ABL Group personnel offers a range of services in addition to FMEA and proving trials to ensure the integrity of the DP system. This may include power system analysis, switchboard testing, sensor integration, ESD, Fire & Gas systems etc.
Services include:
- DP failure modes and effects analysis
- FME(C)A proving trials & DP annual trials
- Risk assessment of all DP-related systems: DP, pipelay, cablelay, ballast, crane and drilling systems
- Operational manual design
- POSMOOR (position mooring) systems
- Concept, detailed design and construction supervision of ships (DP and autonomous)
DP trials and assurance
In addition to technical studies, examining the design and capabilities of DP systems, ABL Group personnel can perform surveys and Dynamic Positioning (DP) Trials on behalf of third parties as well as the vessel owners, to assure that the condition of the DP systems is as expected and that it will be suitable for the intended operation.
Our DP teams are experienced in all types of DP vessels with DP notations DP-1, DP-2 and DP-3. We have a track record of conducting work in accordance to IMO, Class Rules, IMCA and MTS requirements and guidance.
Services include:
- Condition and suitability surveys
- DP capability analysis
- DP footprint verification
- DP incident investigation and root cause analysis
- DP operations manual and procedures
- DP operational marine risk management
- Remote digital DP trials
Our DP trials service has an integrated monitoring and control process to ensure that the quality of our products is always maintained to the highest industry standard.
DP project management
We provide yard teams to represent and work with our clients throughout the construction or conversion of an offshore asset. Using DP specialists, we can perform design reviews, machinery and equipment purchase order and specification reviews, in addition to providing guidance on the development and implementation of project execution plans.
We can also monitor work progress, factory acceptance tests, attend audits of sub-constructors facilities, plus monitor quality control and testing activities throughout the construction and final commissioning stages. Finally, we provide attendance during sea trials and follow-up on all close-out documentation. Ensuring project success, through close co-operation at every stage.
Services include:
- Design review
- New build project management
- Conversion project management
- Vessel and system upgrade (DP-1 to DP-2, DP-2 to DP-3)
- Hybrid power systems for low carbon emission and OPEX savings
- Reconfiguration of vessels for fuel saving